Pokémon GO - Your Pokédex to Health & Safety

Date: Tuesday, 12 July 2016. -

When out and about catching Pokémon, it is important to keep your wits about you. Not only are there some pretty gnarly Pokémon out there, other dangers can be lurking around every corner! In this guide we will teach you some tips & tricks on how to keep safe, whilst still getting the most out of Pokémon Go.

1. Be aware of your surroundings!

Not only in real-life, but in-game also. In traditional Pokémon games, you couldn’t go more than a few feet through long grass without being attacked by a swarm of Pidgey. In the new Pokémon Go game, whilst making sure there are no real world dangers, look out for rustling grass as you walk – this is the best indicator of a Pokémon wandering close by.

2. Improve your mental health

Although the gyms are virtual, early cases show that the mental health boosts are real. People suffering with social anxiety, depression, and agoraphobia (anybody who would normally spend their evenings and weekends indoors, avoiding social interaction) have commented on how the urge to catch that next new Pokémon has helped them get up off of the sofa, and out into the great outdoors.

3. The best PokeStops are in more popular areas

Checking-in to that PokeStop next door to your local chippy might seem like the most convenient, and sure, you might get some pretty useful items; but heading to well-known areas and busy city centres will lead you to all the best stuff.

However, busier areas mean a greater risk of danger. Always be on the look out for traffic and any other obstacles that could come between you and Pikachu!

4. Don’t go knocking on strangers doors

I know, I know, Mewtwo is showing up in Mrs Turnball’s garden and you really, REALLY want Mewtwo. So do I, but please, be careful. It’s like your parents always taught you, don’t get into cars with strangers, well the same goes for Pokémon Go – don’t go knocking on strangers’ doors! Besides which, Mrs Turnball probably has no idea what a Pokémon is, and is likely to call the police or hit you with her handbag.

5. Turn on Battery Saver Mode

Pokémon Go can be a bit of a power leech, in that it’ll suck all the juice out of your phone quicker than you can say ‘Gyarados’!

This is not only a real bummer, it can also leave you in an emergency situation without access to emergency services. So, when in game tap the Pokeball > settings > turn on power saver. This will ensure that you can play for longer and will never be without the use of your phone when you really need it.

If you choose to ignore our advice and find yourself in a sticky situation, be sure to download our first aid training app.